Page 265 of Hide and Keep

“I’m begging. Kiss me, Crue.”

Hide and Keep wasn’t the only time our lips have met. Ever used her mouth to feed charcoal into mine when I was sick. That’s why my vomit was black. That’s why I felt better faster. She used it to counteract the poison.

Then she hid it from me, so I wouldn’t try to kiss her again when I was healthy and discover who she really is.

I return my thumb to her cheek and lean in until our mouths are only inches apart. Ever’s jaw clenches in my hold and my name climbs its way through her teeth.

“Yes, butterfly?” The nickname comes out naturally, because it’s her. It’s always been her.

“What? That’s…” A million and one emotions flash across her face. “Why would you call me that?”

“It was you. The butterfly at Hide and Keep.”

Another butterfly stops for a rest on one of my knuckles, its wings black with yellow stripes.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I wouldn’t be caught dead at something as desperate as Hide and Keep.”

Not dead but she was caught. I caught her. And I have every intention of keeping her…after I figure out how.

“Then kiss me.”

“Why?”

“Kiss me, Ever. Prove to me you’re not my butterfly.”

“Crue. I’m not… I can’t…”

“What’s the big deal? You kissed me the other night.”

That gets her to drop at least some of the act.

Her eyes also drop…to my shoulder.

She scoffs quietly. “Blue morpho. Of course one comes to you.”

I side-eye the blue butterfly on my shoulder before quickly returning my attention to an even more beautiful butterfly. Themostbeautiful butterfly.

“You remember the charcoal?” she asks.

“I remember you. Your lips on mine.”

“It wasn’t like that. I was just doing what I could to help.”

“I know.” I pull her closer and lower my voice. “But I want it to be like that. I want your lips on mine again.” I want her lips on mine forever. “Not just in sickness, but also in health, and everything in between.”

“Crue…”

“Why didn’t you tell me, butterfly?”

At first, I think she’s gonna keep up the ruse, but then she says, “Because I’m different…than that. I’m…not…”

“I know exactly who you are.”

“Really? Because I don’t even think I do.”

“You can be soft and sweet or intense and cruel. Your shine is unmistakable, yet you prefer the dark. You’re fearless and graceful, like a butterfly. You’re intelligent and selfless, like a bat.” Ever’s been telling me some wild facts about bats, like how deeply they feel emotions, even grief and joy, as well as how altruistic they can be. “You’re multifaceted, Ever Munreaux. You’re also mine. My butterflyandmy little bat.”

A single tear escapes the corner of her eye, rolling down onto the tip of my thumb.

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